Accord CLG - Executive Director

The Organisation

Accord CLG is the national agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, providing marriage preparation, relationship counselling and relationship education services across 25 counties. For over 60 years, Accord has supported couples, individuals, and families through a nationwide network of Centres, delivering professional, accessible services that promote healthy relationships and family wellbeing.

Governed by an independent Board and supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, counsellors and facilitators, Accord is currently implementing its ambitious five-year Strategic Plan 2026-2030 focused on strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery, supporting its people, driving innovation and ensuring the organisation's long-term sustainability.

The Role

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of Accord CLG and is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. Reporting to the Board through the Chairperson, the Executive Director will lead the implementation of the Board's strategic vision, ensuring effective organisational management, strong governance and the delivery of high-quality services that advance Accord's mission nationally. They will also be responsible for fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement, as well as ensuring Accord remains responsive to evolving needs whilst strengthening its impact, sustainability and long-term success.

The role will champion Accord's mission and Catholic ethos while ensuring the organisation remains responsive to changing societal needs, delivers high-quality services and continues to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, couples and families throughout Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

The role of Executive Director is a key leadership role within Accord and will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Strategic leadership and delivery

• Lead implementation of Accord's Strategic Plan and prepare annual business plans, priorities, measures and implementation timetables for Board approval.
• Provide the Board with timely, clear and proportionate reporting on performance, risks, finances and strategic delivery.
• Scan the external environment, identify opportunities and challenges, and recommend appropriate strategic responses.
• Promote collaboration and shared purpose across Accord and, where appropriate, with other Accord organisations on the island of Ireland.

Governance, risk and accountability

• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and executive management.
• Maintain effective systems of internal control, risk management, safeguarding, data protection, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure that policies, decisions and delegated authorities are implemented consistently across the organisation.
• Protect Accord's reputation and ensure that significant risks and issues are brought promptly to the Board's attention.

People, culture and organisational leadership

• Lead and support the Executive Management Team, establish clear accountability and enable effective delegation.
• Develop a culture characterised by respect, collaboration, high performance, learning and service.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, performance management, succession planning and professional development.
• Recognise and support the distinctive contribution of staff, volunteers, counsellors, facilitators, administrators and clergy.

Centres, services and quality
• Build strong, regular and constructive relationships with Accord Centres and dioceses.
• Ensure services are high quality, accessible, evidence-informed and responsive to changing needs.
• Support consistent standards while respecting the experience and contribution of local Centres.
• Promote innovation, appropriate use of technology and continuous improvement in service delivery and administration.
Financial leadership and sustainability

• Prepare and secure agreement to annual budgets aligned with the Strategic Plan and annual business plan.
• Report clearly to the Board on financial performance, forecasts, reserves, funding and corrective action where required.
• Ensure robust financial management, statutory reporting and external audit arrangements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value for money, income, funding and long-term sustainability.

Stakeholder engagement and representation

• Develop trusted relationships with the Board, President, Member Bishops, dioceses, funders and statutory partners.
• Represent Accord externally with credibility, diplomacy and a clear understanding of its Catholic ethos and public-service role.
• Strengthen Accord's profile and communicate its impact, priorities and contribution to relationships and family life.

The Person

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in a senior management role and a proven track record in organisational leadership and will be an accomplished strategic leader with the ability to translate vision and ideas into tangible results. They will possess excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to represent, promote and advocate for the organisation with credibility and impact across a wide range of internal and external audiences. This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected national organisation at a pivotal stage in its development and contribute to making a positive difference in communities across Ireland.
Essential Criteria

• The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of:
• A relevant third-level qualification, or equivalent professional and strategic leadership experience.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior leadership role in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation, with clear accountability for delivering results.
• Proven record of translating strategy into operational plans and achieving measurable organisational change.
• Demonstrated experience of working effectively with a Board and operating within robust governance, risk and accountability arrangements.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, performance reporting, resource allocation and organisational sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and hold to account a senior management team and to build a positive organisational culture.
• Proven record of building productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including funders or public bodies.
• An understanding of, and genuine willingness to work within and promote, the mission and ethos of a Catholic faith-based organisation.

Desirable Criteria

The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, not-for-profit, social care, public service or another values-led environment.
• Experience of a federated, networked, membership or volunteer-based organisation.
• Knowledge of counselling, relationship support, education or family services.
• Experience of working with the Catholic Church or another faith-based organisation.
• Experience of leading significant digital, service or organisational transformation.

Application and Further Information

For further information, including a detailed candidate information booklet, and to apply for this role visit www.forvismazars.com/ie/en/executiverecruitment

All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Executive Recruitment Team by email to [email protected] or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.

Forvis Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of Accord CLG.

No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to Accord CLG.

Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday, 28th September 2026

Accord CLG is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation.